Municipal League of King County

Ratings

SEATTLE, July 23, 2009 – The Municipal League of King County today released its nonpartisan evaluations of 113 candidates running for dozens of local offices. The ratings are available online at www.munileague.org.

The ratings are based on four criteria: Knowledge, Involvement, Effectiveness and Character. They assess each candidate's potential to be effective in office and ability to serve the community. Political affiliations or stands on specific issues are not considered and candidates are not rated against each other.

This year's ratings are the result of the work of 65 citizens from throughout King County who volunteered for the Municipal League's Candidate Evaluation Committee. They studied the public record, reviewed candidate questionnaires, checked references and conducted live interviews with the candidates. Each rating was carefully reviewed by the Municipal League's trustees.

"The League's rating process is similar to a job interview for candidates, with a diverse group of citizens serving as hiring managers," said Brad Meacham, Municipal League Chair. "This result is a useful tool to help voters make decisions."

Candidates received one of six ratings: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Adequate, Not Qualified, or No Active Campaign. The Municipal League attempted to contact every candidate. Candidates were rated even if they declined to participate in the process.

This year's Candidate Evaluation Committee conducted interviews in Seattle, Bellevue and Renton, and was led by Gabe Meyer, Chair of the Candidate Evaluation Program.

About the Municipal League Ratings

Outstanding – Has made numerous outstanding contributions requiring skills related to the office, is a path-finding and respected leader, brings knowledge and creativity to issues facing the office.

Very Good – Makes significant contributions, is a skilled builder of consensus, inspires confidence in the way he/she would serve, is thorough and attentive to issues.

Good – Has been active and effective in many roles, is capable of moving people to productive action, has strong record of participation in problem solving, shows satisfactory commitment to tackling issues.

Adequate – Has a record of participation and interest, is effective on specific issues, has provoked questions about suitability as an office holder, will need significant time/energy to fill gaps in knowledge.

Not Qualified – Doesn't appear engaged, has a record that casts doubt on ability to be productive, hasn't demonstrated ability to deal with responsibilities of office, has narrow focus, inflexible attitude or is otherwise troubling.

The Municipal League questionnaire contains extended information on each candidate.

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As the election approaches, Votingforjudges.org will include ratings and endorsements from numerous organizations. We provide this information so that voters will be better informed about the candidates. We do not rate or endorse any candidates; the ratings and endorsements of organizations included at this site reflect the views of those individual organizations and not necessarily the views of votingforjudges.org or its sponsors.